From EVwire · Simon Alvarez · · 1m 10s
Japan to certify steering-wheel-free EVs by December
Japan will certify driverless cars without steering wheels starting December 2026.
In brief
Japan will certify driverless cars without steering wheels starting December 2026. Japan plans to certify steering-wheel-free Level 4/5 vehicles under uniform safety standards from December 2026 to boost robotaxi adoption. Originally reported by EVwire.
Japan updates vehicle safety rules
Japan will certify driverless cars without steering wheels starting December 2026.
New standards cover autonomous vehicles
The rules apply to Level 4 vehicles that drive fully autonomously under specific conditions and Level 5 vehicles that are fully autonomous everywhere.
Vehicles need no steering wheel or pedals
Certified cars won't require steering wheels, brake pedals, rearview mirrors or driver monitoring systems to cut costs and free cabin space.
Crash tests remain for passenger vehicles
Crash tests with dummies stay mandatory for taxis and buses but unmanned cargo vehicles skip testing.
MLIT targets 10,000 autonomous vehicles by 2030
Japan aims to produce 10,000 Level 4-capable buses, taxis and other vehicles by fiscal year 2030.
MLIT official explains goal
The revision helps Japan hit its target by facilitating mass production of autonomous vehicles.
Japan follows global safety standards
Japan's rules align with UN World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations standards set in June.
The takeaway
Japan plans to certify steering-wheel-free Level 4/5 vehicles under uniform safety standards from December 2026 to boost robotaxi adoption.
